80-year-old Free State farmer arrested after decomposed body found on farm near Kroonstad
Free State farmer, 80, arrested after body found buried on Kroonstad farm.
Image: FILE
An 80-year-old farmer has been arrested after the body of a young man was discovered on a farm between Kroonstad and Welkom in the Free State.
Police said a Bloemfontein task team recovered the remains following a community tip-off. The deceased was allegedly buried on the farm.
Due to the advanced state of decomposition, DNA samples were taken to confirm his identity.
"A docket has been opened on charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice. It can be confirmed that an 80-year-old man has been arrested and is expected to appear in court on Wednesday. There is a possibility of additional arrests on this matter," said police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele.
The SAPS described the case as 'very serious and sensitive' and urged the public not to spread rumours. "We appeal to the community to allow the investigation to unfold in an evidence-driven manner and to refrain from spreading unverified information that could compromise the case," Makhele added.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) staged protests demanding transparency and accountability. "This is a clear case of racial violence and systemic failure," said Bosanku Msimanga, the EFF's provincial secretary.
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